A Garden House In Farashah

Farashah is an ancient village near the city of Yazd, which is located in the outskirts of Taft County and at the foothills of Shīrkūh Heights. Due to its proximity to the central desert regions, its architecture corresponds with the distinct characteristics of the desert; for instance, the shapes of arches and domes, the forms and color combinations of its architecture all portray a soft and humble expression. Therefore, this village can be recognized as a global ecotourism benchmark because of its historical identity and authenticity.

In any region, these two qualities could be explored through vernacular architecture and anthropological studies. The identity of a place, bearing on the identity of its citizens, is closely associated with its landscape and architecture (i.e., the visual and functional aspects of architecture). A bilateral identification between the human and architecture is, firstly, due to the formation of architecture by people’s thoughts and intentions, as well as their craftsmanship; secondly, the architectural features of a building or fabric would inevitably affect people’s social behavior as well. In desert regions, the relationship between the local architects and buildings’ architecture demonstrates a different dynamic in terms of agreeing with the geographical limits and qualities of nature. Hence, with the immediate participation of the residents, the desert architecture can justly be referred to as people’s architecture.

However, a glance at the emerging problems in the historic rural fabric of Farāshāh reveals an ongoing lack of local participation in constructing the built environment, in such a way that not only the residents’ participation has been minimized, but any immediate cooperation has been fully eliminated.

Moreover, the rural landscape in this village has suffered enormous damage in recent decades because of automation and the construction of inauthentic buildings with no architectural reference to the original rural identity. The extent of this damage has reached a point where parts of this village are now totally abandoned or demolished. As a result, a relatively undynamic rural setting is created in this village and there is a clear lack of job opportunities. Consequently, the indigenous rural dwellers have massively immigrated from this village.

In general, public participation is considered desirable as it may create an atmosphere that best suffices human needs and activities. Accordingly, no one other than the villagers themselves could have paramount consideration and understanding of their needs. Since they are aware of the form and function of desired activities, they can readily have an accordant spatial perception. Furthermore, local people come together regularly. Therefore, favorable opportunities are created for their participation and cooperation in making decisions regarding their living environment, offering new jobs, and building a stronger sense of belonging not only between the individuals but also to their place of residence. Ultimately, this sense of belonging could prevent their immigration.

In this project, we provided one of the easiest life prototype for the construction of garden houses for the younger generation and the new texture of Farashah. Not only people participate in building their houses and environments, create jobs and earn money, but also being in a harmony with the identity and body of the ancient texture of village and the old lifestyle and the needs of the villagers.

In this prototype , the linear plans of the past were changed to free plans, proportional to the contemporary lifestyle with reserving privacy .

Also, a multipurpose space for tourists accommodation on the second floor was considered that could be a way to create a revenue for the villagers and keep Farashah village as a dynamic and vibrant tourism point. This multipurpose space can be a place to prepare livestock products and pomegranate gardens of villagers during the absence of tourists.